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1 his littlebcokibt is a 
iorerunnersoto speak ota 
large voiume to be put out 
sometiiTie in the tuture, It 
maybe had of the author, 
or of Rev, O, U. hi^lburt, 
the bliPjd singing evangel- 
ist, Bangor, \Aj\scof]S\n, at 
10 cents per copy, post- 
Daid, 



(H^^^^^^—o O'l—'-^'-.^D 



6limpsee 

Qt 

Hbe Christ. 

A COLLECTION OF 

If igiftal fmm$. 






DONE ON THE PARSONAGE PRESS. 

PALMYRA, WISCONSIN, 1899. 

BY THE AUTHOR. 






111898 1 



4146S 

Cop\-KiGiiT, iSg9, By kev.J. B. N'o'. 

fWO©OI»fK8 I^KCHIVED. 



•EOOND COPY, 



.t^'^Mii^*^ 



Otimpses ©f Xlbe Cbrist. 



The First Christmas Ni^ht. 



"^^ ime's ever moving cycles 
\^ Four thousand years have told 

'^ Since first began the story 
Of man in days of old: 
Since, eastward there in Eden. 
The man. with Eve. his wife, 
AVere sent to dress the garden 
At God's command*. 

Since life 
By Infinite breath imparted 
Made man a living sonL 
( Though last of all creation 
Yet greatest of the whole ! ) 
Since Satan ( vile deciever ^ 
All ages since the same! ) " ' " *"* 
In form of creeping Serpent 
Into the gardien ('aniiC: 
1 



2 
Whence, all adown tbe ag-es 
E'en to the present time 
Prophetic finger pointed 
The eyes of earth. 

My rhyme 
Begins just where the focus 
Of all prophetic light 
Formed such a blaze of glory 
While shepherds watched by night; 
Begins just where the glimmer 
Of myriad stars o'erhead 
With sudden blaze of glory 
Revealed a lowly bed. 
(A bed? 'twas but a manger 1 
So filthy, humble, small, 
Yet held the Infant Savior, 

My Lord, my life, my all ! ) 

* * * 

Upon the hillside, peaceful 
Beneath the evening skies, 
Yet full of life and bustle 
The little city lies: 
Her every house is teeming! 
Her Kahns are overflowed! 
All ages and conditions 
Have come by every road. 



8 

Some seek in vain for housings; 
Some camp beside the way; 
Some haste to end their journey 
Before the close of day; 
Some, weary, sad and lonely, 
From distant lands have come, 
And now 'mong many strangers 
They crave the joys of home; 
Yet others, bright and merry, 
With laughter fill the air. 
While others still are bending 
Beneath a load of care; 
Thus come the high and lowly. 
In numbers not a few^ 
From every land and country, 
An(lerertj otic a Jar! 
* * * 

What meaneth this commotion? 
And why do young and old 
Come flocking thus together 
Like sheep into a fold? 
Why come the gray haired father. 
The mother bent W'ith age? 
Why come the rich with power 
And j)omp and liveried page? 
Why come the poor and lowly? 



4 

Why coine the sick and well 

All for a time toL^ether 

At Bethlehem's ^-ates to dwell? 

Ah! lou^- and sad the story 
Of Israel's downward way. 
From all the pomp and ^lory 
Of Solomon's proud day ! 
How. Moses' law forgotten. 
God's name and power i^rofaned. 
His eurse upon them fastened. 
Their ix>mp and glory waned 
Till, now no more a nation 
Their necks beneath the yoke 
Of slavery are bending! 
Thus God his vengeance spoke! 
How% all adown the ages 
Had prophets true and brave 
Foretold the great " Messiah " 
Whose coming was to save; 
Told how this " Prince of Glory 
At Bethlehem must be l>orn 
And then redeem his people. 
Of all their glory shorn; 
Of how, with tearful longing 
The Jews now watch and w^ait 



To see the eoiisolation 

Of Jewish Cliurcl] and State. 

God worketh many wonders! 

E'en now he worketh one! 

The world is set in motion 

To let his word be done! 

For lo, the Roman power 

Would tax the exiled Jew. 

So now for their enrolling 

They gather, not a few; 

Each to his native city 

Has made his weary way. 

So Bethlehem's streets are teeming 

With faces strange, to day. 

Behind the western hilltops 
In all his glory glides 
The God of day ; The mountains, 
Far up their hoary sides 
From rock and crag reflected 
Send back each golden ray; 
Up, higher still, yet higher 
The deei3'ning shadows play 
And push the golden circle 
From crag to crag: Below, 
The ev'ning twilight clee^jens; 



6 

The crowds press to an;l fro 

Each to his own attending': 

At last the topmost hei^jjht 

Yields up its crown of glory 

And turns to greet the night. 

Now, as the twilight shadows 

Creep higher in the east, 

Bright twinkling stars ajipearing 

Wink down at man and beast. 

All nature quiet, restful. 

As though from morn till night 

Well wearied with its labors. 

Bids farewell to the light. 

And wrapjoing well around her 

A sable robe (though yet 

With diamonds pure and sparkling. 

And glowing rubies, set, ) 

Sinks now to sleep. When twilight 

First gathered in the east, 

And evening quiet settled 

O'er nature, man and beast, 

Some travellers, belated, 

In groups of three or four 

Draw near the little city 

Their weary journey o'er. 

The poorest of the people 



7 
Are these who now draw near; 
No horse, no camel even 
To bear them on: 

But here 
And there a faithful burro. 
An ox, perchance a cow 
Doth bear the wife and children 
Of him who leads. 

Just now 
The rich who needs must journey 
To Bethlehem, do lie 
On beds of ease; 

Their horses 
Well bred and swift to fly 
O'er rocky road have carried 
Their masters long ago 
To where the best of quarters 
Awaited. 

Even so 
The man whose wealth permitted 
A ride on camel's back 
Was long ago 'mong comforts 
Established; 

Those who lack 
Must trudge along more slowly; 
Though footsore, hungry, tired, 



8 
Their faces stained by travel. 
In dusty clothes attired 
Must plod, and plod. and. endiiii^ 
Their journey, they must take 
What wealth hath left ( if any 
Indeed be left. 

"Twould make 
But little here, as ever 
The poor do find outside 
The quarters of the wealthy! ) 
Thus ever side by side 
Stand ijoverty and I'l^'idy: 
Ineeed "tis ever so 
On earth ; 

The poor may strive j^le. 
And, pushing to and fro 
Try e'er so hard to rise 
But fail, — while yet the wealthy 
May, e'er an hour dies 
Be like the ijoor: 

And surely 
God meets the human need! 
Most men are poor, but Jesus 
The Christ was poor indeed! 
One man, (just when the sunlight 
Is fading overhead. ) 



9 

Conies till with falt'iiii.^- footsteps 
While at his side is led 
His faithful beast. 

The saddle 
Upholds his weary wife; 
The husband's form is manly, 
In fullest i)rime of life; 
His face, so warm, so tender. 
Reveals a pious mind; 
His manner tells the story 
Of nature true and kind. 
The w^ife is young; 

Her beauty 
No pen could well portray; 
Beside the evening shadow^s 
Which hover o'er the way 
Her face is veiled save barely 
A x^air of mild blue eyes 
'Neath brows of gold: 

A whiteness 
A seeming x^allor lies 
Uijon the face; 

The woman 
Seems W'Caried nigh to death, 
As, leaning toward her husband 
She asks wilh labored breath: 



10 
*' Is't far to go my pTosex)li? 
I faint, unless we rest! '' 
" Not far, my precious Mary; 
Just o'er yon hillock's crest: 
A curse upon Auj^ustus! " 
He muttered, with a frown. 
" That we must make this journey 
To serve a Roman crown! 
Just now when ease and comfoif 
Should be thy lot. my wife, 
This weariness and hunger 
Do but endanger life. " 
" Nay, murmur not, my Joseph! 
Dost thou forget the day 
When God foretold this liour? 
Would'st question, then, his way? " 
"Nay, nay, forgive me Mary! 
Our God shall surely lead. 
For see! within the hour 
Thou'lt have the rest you need. '' 
While yet he speaks, the city 
Comes plainly into view. 

Now past the well whose waters 

Their father David knew; 

N<,w in the street where Joseph 



11 

In boyiKJocFs freedom roamed; 
Now \(i the Kalin where many 
In anger rave and foam! 
•' No room! '' the keeper shouting, 
''No room move on, I say! " 
Yet still the ijeople clamor 
And seek a place to stay, 
On through this babel, Joseph 
Crowds, to the keeper's side; 
"Behold, my wife is fainting! 
Have pity, sir! " he cried! 
'' One little room — a corner 
For her! Oh let her stay! 
See, friend, her sad condition 
And let her rest, I pray. '' 
" Fain w^ould I heed thy pleading 
And give a resting place 
Where yonder suffering woman 
Might hide her lovely face, 
But not a corner even 
Is free, else it were thine. '' 
" 'Tis well, " said patient Joseph, 
"Come wife, we'll not repine! " 
He turns the faithful burro 
To seek some other place 
But hears the cry, "Hail, neighbor !" 



12 

A man wiUi kindly face 
To Joseph's side is pnsliin.L»-: 
" Come, take for her the stall 
Where stands my faithful camel; 
I would this were not all 
That I could do. 

Nay. bless tliee! 
No thanks, but haste thee now! "' 
As quickly toward the stable^^ 
He turns, with smile and Ijow. 
Ah! shame on human nature 
By multitude disi)layed! 
All honor, gallant straniivr 
Who kindly offered aid! 
But ah. those hund^le ([uarters. 
To these a welcome prize. 
Form but a sorry shelter 
From curious, xn'yin^- eyes; 
Oh thiidv. ye modern mothers. 
Of all the gjrief and shame. 
Of what humiliation 
Attached to Jesus' name. 
For there 'mong burly drivers. 
Before another morn 
The Savior of his people 
In yonder stall was born; 



13 

There in a filthy manger, 
By humble shepherds sought, 
Lay one by whom salvation 
For men was dearly bought: 
Who said, " If thou would'st merit 
Salvation full and free, 
Go, do unto thy brother. 
And thou hast done for me." 
Beware, O man! Take warning! 
When selfishness you"d show. 
Beware — perhaps 'tis Jesus 
You bid unkindly " Go! '' 
Nay, succor those who sorrow^; 
Give ease to those in pain; 
Take in the sick and weary 
And shield from wind and rain: 
Go soothe the broken hearted 
And light for them the gloom ; 
Be sure that 'tis not Jesus, 
Before you say, " No room! " 

As ev'ning shadows gather, 
And light to darkness yields. 
Full many flocks are feeding 
Out in the hillside fields, 
While near them, ever w^atchful. 



14 

To guard from beasts of prey 
Or bands of theives and robbers. 
The faithful she^^herds stay. 
Sometimes, if storm-clouds threaten 
Or Autumn winds are cold, 
The sheep and goats are gathered 
Into the sheltered fold; 
Sometimes the faithful shex3herd 
Around him calls his flocks, 
The shining stars above him. 
No shelter save the rocks. 
There in the field together 
To spend the long night hours; 
Sometimes the shepherds gather 
In groux^s of threes, or fours. 
And keej) by turns their vigil; 
'Tis thus to night they lie, 
One watching while the others 
Sleep, 'neath the midnight sky. 

The shades of night have fallen, 
And, like a pall, o'er hill 
And vale they lie: All nature 
Seems sleeping, dark, and still; 
No sound to wake the echoes — 
No sight to greet the eye, 



15 

Save but the twinkle, twinkle 
Of stars, in yonder sky. 

Tis near the hour of midnight; 
A stillness as of death 
Reigns o'er the land; 

The shepherds 
Sleep, save the guard; 

No breath 
Of air doth fan the hillsides; 
The guard with sleepy eye 
And dreamy mind sits gazing 
Toward where the starlit sky 
Bends down to kiss the mountain 
Upon whose hoary side 
Yon little city nestles; 
Though bed and house denied, 
No king or courtier, lying 
On beds of down to night 
More happy or contented 
Than he; 

No grander sight 
Than greets this shepherd's vision 
Ere morning dawns again 
Hath come to eye of mortal ; 
No message brought to men 



IG 

Hath oreater inipcrl : siltina: 
Alone beneath the stars. 
No thought of pomp and glory 
His calm contentment mars. 

As, near the hoar of mi-,1 night 

He gazes thus afar. 

There streams across the heavens 

Alight! 

One glorious star 
Like meteor descending 
With flash of golden light 
Revealing hill and mountain 
And dimming stars of night 
Flies earthward: 

Down, still clownwan] 
Toward where the city lies, 
Her tired hosts unconcious 
Beneath the starlit skies! 
But never yet did meteor 
In such a manner fall. 
Nor flash before so brightly 
Its glory over all! 
And ne'er before did meteor 
Halt, in its downward flight. 
And, like a lamp suspended 



17 

Give forth such softened light! 

For Fee! in all its glory 

Above the city kahn. 

It tells to earth the story 

Of coming Son of Man! 

As from yon dark blue ether 

The star begins to move. 

And with unwonted glory 

Lights all the air above. 

The shei^herd springs half startled 

Ui^on his feet; 

And so 
When o'er the sleeping city 
It settles, bending low, 
His cry of fear awakens 
His comrades lying near, 
And in a grouiD they gather 
All trembling with fear! 
But one by one the moments 
Go by: 

No awful doom 
Befalls; 

And still the radiance 
Dispels the midnight gloom; 
So by degrees their courage 



18 
Returns ; 

With voices low 
E'en scarce above a whisper 
They talk; 

A softer glow^ 
Seems o'er the landscape spreading ! 
Now high up overhead 
A thing of wondrous beauty 
Fills every heart with dread! 
A seeming star comes floating 
Down, down, with softened light 
Tow'rd where the shepherds t remble 
Their faces pale with fright ! 
And see! when near approaching 
That which a star had seemed 
Takes now a form! 

An angel 
Whose robes with whiteness gleam, 
Whose face with all the glory 
Of heavenly brightness glows 
In mid-air pauses; 

Listen ! 
Sweet music, soft and low 
From out the de^jthsof ether 
Falls on the shepherds' ear! 
'Tis little wonder surely 



19 

Their hearts are filled with fear; 
That, on their faces bowing 
The shepherds, trembling, dread 
Because such mighty wonders 
Appear from overhead! 
'Twere strange if any mortal 
Had courage now to face 
That messenger of glory 
Just from the heavenly place! 
If eyes of earthly training 
Could meet with brazen stare 
The eyes of holy angels 
From heavenly regions fair! 
'Twere strange if pious shej^herds 
Whose school was nature's book, 
Quailed not before that presence 
Nor braved a single look! 
'Twere strange if they, ( forgetful 
Of mortal's lower place. 
How, lower than the angels 
Did God create the race ) 
Feared not before this herald 
Nor quaked to hear his voice, 
Although in tones so tender 
He bade their hearts rejoice. 
'' Fear not " the voice commanded. 



20 
•• Behold. I surely bring 
To all the earth glrtd tiding,^; 
To day is born a king, 
A Savior of his x)eople: 
T herald now his birth ! 
Lo, peace, good will, rejoicing. 
Shall be to all the earth, 
F(H' now in David's city 
In manger lying low% 
Is Christ the Lord, a Savior: 
This sign to thee I show."" 
'Twere strange if such assurance 
Quelled not the shepherds' fear— 
If to the welcome message 
They gave no heeding ear; 
Their forms no longer prostrate. 
Their happy hearts rejoice 
As. bowing low before him 
They heed th' assuring voice. 
Their eyes, already dazzled 
By heavenly sights so grand 
Are closed; a mighty stillness 
Is round on every hand. 

The shepherds, nothing doubting, 
Their hearts in thankful praise 



21 

To (xod uplifted, kneeliiii;' 
See not the dazzliiio- blaze 
Athwart the pky! 

See only 
In mind Messiah's face; 
See oidy Israel's blessing, 
Salvation for the race; 
See not the hosts of heaven 
Assemblini»- in the air, 
Yet hear indeed the rustle 
Of jL>iitterini>- pinions fair 
As though 'twere but the sighing 
Of evening breezes sweet; 
Ay. hear the hum of voices 
As in the air they meet. 
Then suddenly, like thunder 
111 volume, yet as free 
And sweet and clear and thrilling 
As perfect harmony 
Burst forth the heavenly chorus 
Till heaven rang again. 
"• To God in highest, glory! 
On earth good will to men! " 
Up spring the startled shepherds. 
And. gazing where on high 
The twinkling stars did glimmer 



22 
Above the midnight sky, 
They see, not stars, but aiio:els! 
And where one star had shown 
A multitude of glories 
Whose number is unknown 
Join in the heavenly chorus 
And sing salvation^s song. 
While untold reach of distance 
The mighty tones prolong! 
No pen could well describe it - 
That vision pure and bright: 
Those radiant heavenly beings 
With forms ethereal, vrhite; 
The dazzling blaze of glory 
No eye hath seen before 
On earth ; 

Those faces, shining 
With Inlinite love: 

The shore 
Of God's eternal country 
Kevealed to mortal men! 
What wonder that the shepherds 
Fell on their faces then? 
What wonder that a blindness 
Ui:ion their eyes should fallV 
What wonder that a dimness 



23 

Their very minds should pall? 
That fainter, fainter, fainter 
Upon their ears the song 
Should grow, until in slumber 
They lie? 

The heavenly throng- 
Back through the i^early gateway 
On wiiigs (jf light have flown 
To sing of joy and gladness 
Around tlf Eternal Throne! 

'Tis near the hour ni morning; 
The guard lies fast asleejj; 
Not one among the shepherds 
Now guards the hel^^less sheejj, 
Yet neither wolf, nor lion, 
Nor robber dare molest. 
For soon will golden sunlight 
Guild every mountain crest. 
Here, there, about the valley 
Is heard the morning call 
Of bleating flocks; 

But dimly 
The stars shine over all; 
Far in the east the halo 
Of dawning day is seen. 



24 
As, over liill and valley 
It casts a silvery sheen. 

What pleasant scenes in dreamland 
Must yonder shepherd know — 
For see! In sleep he's smiling, 
His features all aglow! 
Perhaps again the vision 
Of heavenly faces bright. 
And robes of dazzling brightness 
Are marshalled in his sight! 
Perhaps again the music 
Of heavenly choirs he hears 
While kindly angel voices 
Would calm again his fears! 
Perhaps again that brightness 
Fills all the midnight skies, 
For see, — he moves. — and shortly 
Shades with his hand his eyes! 
But no-- 'tis but the sunlight 
O'er eastern hills that flows 
And, flashing 'neath his turban 
Upon his features glows! 

Awakened now, the shepherds 
Each would to other tell 



His pleasant dreams; what gladness, 

What glorious things befell 

At midnight hour; Amazement 

In every face is shown 

As in another's story 

Each shepherd hears his own. 

''Tis strange indeed , that angels 
To each in dreamland came 
And told to each the story 
In words the very same! 
*For now in David's city 
In manger lying low 
Is Christ ths Lord, a Savior, 
This sign to thee I show.' 
This sign! come brethren, follow! 
This sign! what meant he thenV 
Perhaps in yonder city 
E'en now the hope of men 
Is born; 

Perchance Messiah, 
The Prince of Peace, our King 
Is even now among us; 
'Twere not a stranger thing 
That God fullil his i^romise 
In this, our day, than when 



26 
In Moses' day, or David's 
He shewed his power to men! 
That sign ! come , let us jjrove it 1 
" In manger lying low/' 
O God, be ours the blessing — 
Be ours the truth to know! " 
With one accord they hasten, 
(Save one, who guards the flocks) 
To where upon the hillside 
The city, "mong the rocks 
Doth glisten in the sunlight. 
The wakened crowds they meet 
While jost'ling hither, thither. 
Fill every lane and street. 
"We seek the young Messiah — 
Can'st tell us where he's born? "' 
Thus asked the eager she^jherds 
Of all they met; 

Forlorn 
Were they as oft repeated 
The scoff, or sneer, or frown 
Came back to them in answer. 
Thus wand'ring up and down 
Among the high and noble 
They search, but all in vain; 
Back to their flocks the shepherds 



27 
Would turn themselves again; 
^' But wait! "quoth oiie,"in manger! 
In manger lying low 
Is Christ the Lord, a Savior, 
T/iis sign to thee I show! 
Why seek among the noble? 
Said not the angel thus? 
Come brethren, yonder stables 
May yet reveal to us 
The Savior of our people!" 
And now with one accord 
They seek more liumble quarters 
To find the new-born Lord. 
At last they reach the stables 
Where, only yester-night 
Good Joseph and his Mary 
Had come. 

Discouraged quite 
They would have passed, but Josei3h 
Who from the well would bring- 
Some water, met them; 

•' Neighbor, 
We seek the new-born king; 
Can'st tell us where to find him ? " 
And kindly he replied: 
"No king of royal parents 



28 
New born, know I; Beside . 
The infant lying yonder 
My wife doth call her son. 
(New^ born indeed since y ester 
At time of setting- sun ! ) 
I know no other: 

Surely 
No royal prince am I 
Who at a work -bench daily 
To earn my bread do ply! " 

" True." quoth the shepherd, "little 

Api^earest thou a kino^; 

But yet an angel told us, 

'Behold. I surely bring 

To all the earth glad tidings; 

In manger lying low 

Is Christ the Lord, a Savior: 

This sign to thee I show;* 

So now^ we seek. O neigh) )or 

To prove the angel's word.*" 

To Joseph's mind there cometh 

The things so often heard. 

How, to the virgin. Mary, 

An angel long ago 

Foretold the little stranu-er 



29 

In 3^011 tier manger low. 
" And tbon shalt call him Jesus, 
For he shall save from sin 
His peoi^le," quoth the angel; 
How every word had -been 
In Mary's bosom treasured; 
Thought how the prophets old 
The birth of the Messiah 
In Bethlehem foretold; 
Thought how at midnight hour 
He saw (or did he dream?) 
Bright halos o'er the manger 
With softened brightness gleam; 
Was't mere imagination, 
That music which he heard 
High up in heaven's ether 
Like sweetest song of bird? 
All like a flash went passing 
Through Joseph's mind; 

His head 
Seemed in a daze — all whirling 
As with a trembling tread 
He turned him toward the stables 
To lead for them the way. 
And said'; "Come, thou shalt see him 
Though on a bed of hay." 



30 
They enter now the stable. 
A poorly lighted rocm, 
With but a narrow doorway 
To light the dismal gloom; 
Yet from one stall a radiance 
As from a lamjj doth glow! 
They pause! '"Tis strange." quoth 
•'No lamp is here, I know ! [ Joseph, 
Perhaps a stone is missing 
From yonder wall, and so 
The noonday sun doth enter 
With such a softened glow." 
But no! now drawing nearer 
With turbans cast aside, 
They bow before the manger; 
Behold, on either side 
A radiant form, an angel 
Doth guard the lowly bed! 
A strange, ethereal glory 
About the mother's head 
Doth shine! 

Within the manger 
Asleep, the infant lay. 
No mortal eye had ever 
Such sight beheld! 

No face 



31 

Hath i)aled at jj^rander vision; 
Nor yet a holier place 
Was known to men; 

The shepherds 
Whose eyes beheld the host 
Of angels, as in triumph 
They sang, did at the most 
Admire the heavenly singers; 
Did joy because the song 
Was sung on high; 

But bowing 
Not even to a throng 
Of messengers from glory 
That filled a midnight sky, 
But e'en before a manger 
In worship now they lie; 
Ay, worship, true and holy 
As none but Deity 
Recieves from man; 

Hearts happy 
And full with melody 
That wakes the purest echoes 
A human heart can know; 
And since that day this Jesus 
Hath e'er been worshipped so; 



32 

Not two or three, but millions 
Can testify to day 
Of blessedness, of glory 
In hearts of all who pray ; 
Of all who, like the shepherds 
Bow humbly at his feet 
In love and adoration; 
There in his presence sweet 
Is joy, and peace, and pardon 
No earthly power can give, — 
Ay! strength of soul, more surely 
In righteousness to live. 
'Tis little wonder, surely. 
Their hearts with love on fire. 
The shepherds, humbly kneeling 
Sang with the heavenly choir, 
" To God in highest, glory! 
On earth good will and jjeace; 
Henceforth the heavenly kingdom 
Shall evermore increase ! " 



Seeking The King. 

"^^^ is evening in the desert; 
Far o'er the waste of sand 
The silvery moon is rising; 
Its sheen, o'er sea and land, 
O'er desert waste, o'er monntain, 
O'er forest, hill and dale 
Doth spread with softened glory 
Like folds of silken veil; 
Where, on the hoary mountain 
Whose rugged sides, and steep, 
( Where through the echoing gorges 
The foaming waters leap,) 
Are reared aloft, the moolight 
Dimmed oft by crag or dale. 
When for away and misty 



Note. Some things in the general outline of 
this poem were suggested by reading Ben Hur. 

33 



34 

Instead of silken veil 

Seems like the silvered tresses 

Which honored age do crown. 

Those twinkling stars u^^ yonder 
Which gaze so solemn down 
Like diamonds bright when Luna 
Doth hide her glowing face, 
Are now but pearls, so dimly 
They shine; 

Fair Luna's face 
With unaccustomed glory 
Doth smile at earth; 

Indeed 
'Twould seem, if Nature's quiet 
We like a book might read 
As ancients read the starlight 
As speaking good or ill 
To man; 

If glorious moonlight 
O'er silent vale and hill 
Be token of the coming 
Of peace, good will to men, 
Then favored of Jehovah 
Is man. 



85 

Our story then 
Begins just where this favor 
In Bethlehem's Babe is shown, 
While stars the o-racious story 
To watching sage make known. 

Far in the silent desert 

Where naught doth greet the eye 

But dreary waste; 

W^here billow^s 
Of drifting sand do lie 
Like waves of raging ocean 
While tempest o'er the deep 
Like lashing tongues of fury 
O'er foaming waters sweep. 
By Gorgon's eye arrested 
And turned to stone, — a tent, 
Low, small and inconvenient, 
Much soiled, with many a rent 
In top and sides, is resting. 
Upon the sand near by, 
As though by travel weary, 
Three resting camels lie. 
Beside the door a blanket 
Upon the sand is spread, 
On which some food is waiting, 
Light wine, dried meat, and bread, 



From out the tent a nminmr 

(3£ voices soft and low 

Betokens human piesence; 

Within, the softened glow 

Of moon and stars scarce enters; 

T he eye can just discern 

Three men devoutly kneeling, 

While each doth jjray in turn: 

" O God of our salvation; 

O God of Abraham; 

Creator thou, and Ruler; 

The only true I Am ; 

Accept our thanks, O Father, 

For all thy mercies great; 

We joy that thou art stronger, 

More powerful than fate. 

And by thy holy prophets 

Hast told of One to come, 

A Prince of Peace, a Savior; 

Thy word though scorned by some, 

To us, thy servants, Father, 

Is precious, more than gold; 

And so in faith, O Father, 

Like holy men of old 

We look for thy salvation — 

For did not glowing star 



37 
Reveal to us thy glory 
In eastern lands afar? 
And now, O Father, keep us; 
Be thou our guide; and when 
From Israel's land we journey 
Toward eastern homes again, 
Grant thou that we a message 
Of joy, and i^eace, and love 
May bear unto our people; 
Oh bless our eyes, and prove 
The truth of those thy prophets 
Who tell of Christ the king; 
Thy servants, O Jehovah, 
Into THAT PRESENCE bring! 

Long weeks before, this trio, 
These "Magi", (so did men 
In eastern countries call them!) 
Set out to journey: 

When, 
As each in nightly vigils 
Sought 'mong the stars to find 
The fortunes of his i3eople, 
And each with ready mind 
Beheld the sign Jehovah 
Had set, a gleaming star 



P>8 
No chart had yet recorded, 
And each, though sundered far 
By weary miles, in countries 
To pagan worship given. 
Read there the nan^e "Messiah'", 
Saw there the King of Heaven, 
Then each, led by the Spirit 
And guided by the star 
Set out to journey westward: 
No j)leasant railway car 
To bear them swiftly onward: 
No Ocean Greyhound fine 
To bear them o'er the water; 
Yet neither did repine, 
But on his faithful camel 
Each made his weary way 
By night, in daytime sleeping, 
(No guide had they by day, ) 
Until one morning, early, 
As each would camp and rest, 
Just here within the desert 
Each traveller spied the rest. 

With common cheery greeting. 
Their tents pitched side by side, 
They rest them from their journey 



39 

And for the day abide. 
Each learns tliat all are iJiishing 
From eastern lands to west 
The land of Israel seeking — 
The same nncommon quest; 
And 8o, when evening settles 
The dark'ning landscape o'er, 
They strike their tents, x^reparing 
To journey as before, 
Not one, but three together: 
Now surely time would pass 
More quickly. 

Now the journey 
Would shorter seem; 

Alas! 
The evening far advancing 
Reveals no guiding star! 
No streaming light, no beacon 
To lead to lands afar. 
All night three watchers, eager. 
Scan every twinkling light, 
And wonder that their leader 
Doth not appear to night. 
''What meaneth it? For surely 
Before we met,"" quoth one. 
The star shewed forth his glory 



40 
Ere scarce the day was done! '' 
But though till light of morning 
ApiDcared in eastern sky 
They watched, no star to guide them 
Did greet their eager eye, 
And they must needs unsaddle 
And feed the waiting beasts 
And rear their tents, while slowly 
The sun rose in the east. 
As evening shadows gather, 
Once more prepared to move, 
Hearts anxious, faces eager, 
They watch the sky above. 
But disappointed, weary 
When morning dawns at last, 
Their hearts now full of sorrow. 
Their mantles from them cast. 
They wonder much : 

The scriptures 
Before them all the day. 
They search till early evening. 
Pause but to eat' and pray. . 
One tent is pitched, one only, 
The others cast aside. 
Their camels saddled, bridled 
And ready for the ride. 



41 

Their evening meal still waiting 
They kneel within the tent; 
Tis thus at first we see them 
As, low their faces bent, 
They i3ray for light, for guidance. 
For, searching through the day, 
They note the olden promise, 
And how the scriptures say: 
•'My word shall be established 
By mouth of witness three." 
"And now,'' they say, ''henceforward 
We three as one shall be,*- 
Their evening meal is waiting 
Beside the door; 

They fast 
Until the guiding glory 
Upon their x^ath is cast, 
Or till, no longer able 
To meet their solemn vow, 
They turn their steps to eastward; 
So here in prayer they bow, 
If yet perchance Jehovah 
Shall send the welcome light 
To guide them on their journey; 
If not, to-morrow night 
They watch — and next — but surely 



42 

Their faith did not decieve ! 
Would God thus mock his children V 
Their trusting hearts believe 
It not. 

This day the knowledge 
That God would have them go 
And seek the new-born Savior 
Had come, while, bowing low 
They i^rayed; came like the whisper 
Of angels in each ear 
The welcome message, bidding 
To rise from doubt or fear; 
" Go thou, mine eye shall guide thee! 
Go, follow^ thou the star 
(E'en though the w^ay be weary,) 
To western lands afar; 
Go, see the great salvation 
In Israel born this day; 
Go, seek this king of glory. 
The Prince of Peace; 

Thy way 
Lies where the star-like glory 
Which thou hast follow^ed here 
Shall lead. 

So now at evening 
As they do first appear 



48 
To us,— knees humbly bended, 
They wait for God's good time 
To lead them on, 

Now praying 
With heart-faith true, sublime; 
Now scanning yonder ether 
Where myriad stars appear. 

Just now when first we meet them. 
Above the moonlight clear 
A strange yet piercing glory 
Streams through yon open rent 
And throws a heavenly glory 
O'er all within the tent. 
W ith cry of joy and gladness. 
Up,— out beneath the sky 
They leap! 

The star, their leader 
Doth greet their eager eye! 

Now, eager for the journey. 
Yet, thankfulness to prove 
They pause one little moment 
In prayer, then quickly move 
Their fast to break; 

The camels 



44 

Well fed, are loaded; 

Then 
With parting prayer they journey 
Toward where the hope of men 
Awaits their coming; 

Journey 
O'er mountain, vale and jjlain, 
But pause at early morning 
To eat and rest again. 
Thus nightly onward jpressing 
They move with eager haste. 
Led by the starlike glory. 
Sometimes mid desert waste 
Where sea of sand, bleak, dreary, 
Spreads out on every hand; 
Sometnnes 'mong fruitful vineyards 
Or fields of fertile land; 
Or else by rugged mountains 
Hemmed in on every side, 
Wher'er the shining leader 
Directs their nightly ride. 

At last, within the borders 
Of Israel's broad domain. 
Where once the Jewish ijeople 
With pomp and power did reign. 



45 

They xjitch their tent. 

What changes 
The centuries have wrought! 
Here once determined thousands 
Well armed and fearing naught, 
Would raze a mighty city 
To earth; 

Or, far away 
The conquered host pursuing; 
Their leader, Joshua; 
God's mighty arm sustaining; 

But now, alas! the power 

Of Israel hath wasted! 

It were an evil hour 

When Israel's people wandered 

Away from God's commands. 

His wrath upon them resting, 

Here, there, in foreign lands. 

Her people now are scattered. 

Beneath a Roman yoke 

All Jewish necks are bending, 

Hands weak, hearts well-nigh broke. 

In all his radiant glory 

The sun doth mount the sky. 



46 
As onward, ever ui^warcl 
The three their journey ply, 
Up toward the hoary city 
Jerusalem. 

No star 
Hath guided since the border 
Was passed; 

No light afar 
Across the sky to guide them 
By night did more appear. 
So now up to the city 
To Jewish heart so dear, 
Where, on Moriah's summit 
Far famed in many lands, 
With white and gold resplendent 
The Jewish temi^le stands. 
They make their way. 

Each traveller 
They meet is made to stare 
Because of each, these strangers 
Do ask a question fair, 
" Where is the king of Jewry? 
Behold, we come afar. 
For in our eastern countries 
We saw his glowing star. 
And we are come to worship 



47 

The king of all the Jews; 
Where is he born? " 

And surely 
No man could well refuse 
To make a civil answer. 
"No doubt their heads are turned,"' 
Thought many Jews; 

Still others 
The civil strangers spurned. 
Still others smiled - though sadly. 
At thought of Jewish king. 
''Where born? ay, where? for surely 
It were a fearful thing 
If i^rophets told of Savior 
Who never came; 

If when 
Times in their fulness sweeping 
Bring naught from Grod to men 
But deep desj)air; 

No Savior 
No Prince of Peace appear; 
Oh where, and how? " Thus Israel, 
Hearts sad, and tilled with fear 
Hoped on; 

The w^eary strangers 
From street to street inquired; 



48 
At city gates — in temple, 
With earnest zeal inspired, 

'• What now? and why this insult? 
Why thus with stave and swurd 
Well armed, with captain leading 
Arrest us thus? One word 
With thee, bold captain! Surely 
'Twere best for thee to know 
First what thou doest! Listen! 
Unto thy monarch go 
And say: In lands to eastward 
Whence we have journeyed tar 
In search of Jewish ruler 
And led by glowing star, 
We too do wear the purple I 
Go say to him Beware! 
Consider what thou doest! " 
Thus spake the eldest. 

Where 
In market place they rested, 
A Captain of the guard, 
( With soldiers in attendance, 
Their hardened faces, marred 
With scars, by visors hidden;) 



49 

Had roughly hailed the three. 
" Come thou,'' the captain ordered, 
"The king hath need of thee! 
Come thou with us to Herod! " 
'Twas then the elder spake 
In words before recorded; 
" I care not, though it break 
Thy hearts,'' re^^lied the captain, 
" To me the king hath said; 
Bring here the three if willing 
To come; if not, each head 
Bring thou to me, and, gracing 
A pole, the multitude 
Shall see them rot. 

Know thou, sir. 
He meaneth to thee good 
If thou but come in quiet; 
If not — thy royal birth 
Shall save thee not; but Herod 
Would help — to end of earth 
Would seek the Jews' Messiah; 
Of thee would question then 
And heliD thy searching. " 

Bowing 
The eldest spake again: 
" 'Tis well — lead on. and freely 



50 
Thy servants follow thee." 

And thus away to Herod 
Were led the Magi three! 

About the palace, soldiers 

Guard every entrance way 

Well armed, — beside each gateway 

Are watching night and day; 

'Swords guard-Salute !" each soldier 

As passed the captain by 

Did honor thus! 

Through courtways 
Arched in by naught but sky, 
Through frescoed room, and passage 
In semi-darkness veiled; 
'Twere strange indeed if nothing 
Of fear their hearts assailed; 
In iDower of despot Herod! 
Whose long iDolluted fame 
Hath gone to lands to eastward, 
Upon whose very name 
A curse doth rest! 

A tyrant 
Well known in distant land. 
Whose will is law; 



51 

Whose bidding 
Each Lictor's heavy hand 
Delights to do. 

If scourging 
For hickless prisoner's back 
The king decrees, then surely 
Of strength there is no lack! 
Nor yet shall thought of pity 
Make light a blow! 

Nor yet 
If still to further torture 
The kingly mind be set 
Shall lack of means prevent it; 
Far down beneath that pile 
Of mighty walls, are dungeons 
Where humans starve the while, 
Until, (unless, forgotten, 
Their bones be left to rot 
By fetters bound) their master, 
Their j)leadings heeding not 
Shall call them forth to suffer 
At stake — in heated chair — 
Or heated tongs and X3incers 
Their quivering flesh shall tear; 
Or beasts, half famished, angry 
Shall pull to pieces quite; 



52 

Or yet, perchance while feasting 

The king desireth light, 

Well wrapped in oiled blankets, 

To pole tied fast — they burn! 

Strange if the three, well knowing, 

Thought not of these, — did si^urn 

The very thought of anguish ! 

As led the captain on, 

Each wise man prayed: "O Father, 

Protect us now ! " 

Anon 
The Baths appear: 

Here servants 
The three make quickly nude 
And plunge in gilded basins; 
No laugh or jest; 

Not rude 
But kind, polite — each servant 
Well trained, did well his task; 
All grime of desert travel 
Is gone; 

No man could ask 
For cleaner, whiter garments 
Than these they don instead 
Of those while journeying here 
They wore, 



53 

Once more the Captain 
Leads on; 

Ere long appear 
The massive doors with hinges 
Of gold, which ope the way 
To Herod's council chamber. 
Well might the strangers, — nay, 
The soldiers e'en, come bowing 
Full low before the throne 
80 humbly; 

Surely never 
Since Roman joower was known 
By conquered Jew, had Elders 
Who wield Sanhedrim's power 
Come thus to council chamber 
Of Roman king! 

This hour 
Well might the sages tremble! 
Beside the Roman Lords 
On purple divan sitting, 
Here men whose very words 
As though divine are heeded, 
Have gathered; 

One and all 
Who wield a priestly power 
Have come at Herod's call. 



54 

Bowed low, the captain enters; 
Behind, the wise men three 
Make each his humble salaam; 
The captain, on one knee 
Said: "King, live thou forever! 
Behold, I bring the men! " 
" 'Tis well! retire! '' quoth Herod. 
His face is turned again, 
" So ho! '' now to the Magi. 
" Art thou the men, who, saekin g 
A Jewish king, are come 
'Mong subjects of a Csesar V 
Why this insult toRomeV 
Speak thou, for well thou knowest 
Thy life the debt shall pay 
Unless thou answer truly." 

A moment's pause to pray 
In secret to the Father, 
Then spake the three, and well 
The story of their journey 
Did they to Herod tell; 
How, in the eastern country 
The glowing star appeared: 
How proj^hets old had spoken 
And how the three had feared 



55 

Yet Longed to see Messiah ; 
How, following the star 
A long and weary journey 
They came from lands afar. 
The king with many questions 
Each one and all did ply, 
To know^ when first this brightness 
Appeared in western sky: 
Likewise of priest and elder 
Asked how, and where, and when 
The Christ would come, and, coming- 
How do his work for men. 
Again outside the palace. 
The three would make their w^ay 
To where the Jews' Messiah, 
The mighty Prince of Day 
Is born; 

At gate of city 
They come — no time to waste. 
For had not kingly Herod 
Commanded them to haste? 
" Go find the king,'' quoth Herod, 
"And bring me w^ord again 
That I may come and w^orshix^!" 
So once again these men 
Would journey on. 



56 

At eveniniJ- 
Behold, again the star 
In southern sky appearing 
Would lead them now afar 
Toward Bethlehem! 

Rejoicing 
They follow on apace 
With kingly presents laden 
To seek Messiah's face. 
Anon, the little city 
Is found; 

The shining star 
O'er yonder kahn is casting 
A radiant light! 

Afar 
O'er eastern hilltops, slowly 
The morning light appears; 
Within the gloomy stable 
Where, in the coming years 
Shall thousands fondly worship, 
The three are bowing low 
Before the manger. 

Brightly, 
Though yet with softened glow 
Through all the i^lace a halo 



57 
Of heavenly light is seen! 
Above her babe the mother, 
tier features calm, serene, 
Is bending; 

Now the Magi 
Their store of presents bring, 
Such, too, as none dare offer 
To any save a king! 
And, like the humble shepherds 
They sing the story old, 
And lay before the infant 
Myrrh, Frankincense, and Gold. 

Their duty done, with praises 
They turn again to go, 
But not to cruel Herod 
To take him word — ah no! 
As soon would either perish ! 
But toward the east again 
They haste, to tell the story 
" Salvation free to men! " 
Since, all adown the ages. 
That King of Kings, adored 
By angels, shepherds, sages 
And nations as the Lord, 
Has subjects, many millions, 



58 

Who praise his holy name 
Because to save, redeem them., 
Jesus from heaven came. 



Salvation, 

Salvation! It is written 

In the great Eternal Mind! 
Written in the revelation 

God has given to mankind! 
It was written on the tablets 

Which Shekmah hovered o'er; 
Written by the holy prophets 

By the Spirit's guiding jjower. 
It w^as written in the starlight 

When the Infant Christ was born 
It was written in the glory 

Of the first bright Easter morn! 



59 

It was written in the thunders 
And the gloom of Calvary's night. 

It was written i n his blessing 
As he vanished from their si^ht. 



'to^ 



It was written in the promise 

Of a Comforter w^ith powder; 
It was written in the harvest 

Of the Pentecostal shower; 
It was written by his martyrs 

In their blood so freely shed, 
Written in the prayers of christians, 

Written in the wine and bread. 

It was written in the promise 

"Follow me, I'll guide thee home," 
Written in the invitation 

"Whosoever will, may come;" 
Written by the exiled prophet 

On a dreary Isle apart. 
Praise the Lord! for free salvation 

Written fully in my heart! 



A Mother's Heart, 

"^Sfrtie time is early morning; 
\y Far over vale and hill 

^ The moon doth glimmer faintly 
The air is damp and chill; 
Far in the dark bine ether 
Like diamonds pure and white, 
Bright twinkling stars do scatter 
Their cold, unfeeling light; 
Yet could they sjjeak. their story 
Must move the earth to tears! 
Their eyes have seen the struggle 
Of fallen man for years; 
Nay, years? 'twere even ages 
Since Noah's ark did rest 
Beneath that same cold starlight 
60 



61 

Upon the monntaiu's crest, 
While mountain, hill and valley 
Like charnel house, with dead 
Were thickly strewn. 

Above them 
With glimmering ray o'erhead 
Shone yonder stars, their beauty 
Still watching o'er the place 
Where God in coming ages 
Would show his smiling face. 
W^ith those bright orbs w]} yonder 
'Twas scarce but yesterday 
Since God shew^ed forth his anger! 
Anon, the break of day 
Began at Bethlehem's manger 
Where, from their place on high, 
Those stars beheld the Savior, 
The Infant Jesus lie; 
Ay ! from their midst with singing- 
Till heaven rang again, 
"To God in highest, glory! 
On earth good will to men!" 
Came forth the hosts of heaven 
To bear the news to earth, 
While stars with light uncommon 
Announced a Savior's birth. 



62 

And since that time those watchers 
Full three and thirty years 
Have seen the joy, the sorrow, 
The labor and the tears 
That mark a Savior's footsteps 
Until his work was done. 
And now, to-night, O Father, 
Behold thy sntiering son! 
Just past the hour of midnight. 
Near where the Kidron flows, 
He knelt in yonder garden 
And told to God his woes; 
Still silent - still beholding. 
Those stars in yonder sky. 
Saw Judas and the rabble 
Lead Jesus forth to die. 

Within the grim, walled city 
Full many thousands sleep, 
While round the royal mansion 
The guards their vigil keep. 

Tall, gloomy, dark, forbidding, 
Outlined against the sky. 
The walls of Pilate's mansion 
Beneath the starlight lie. 



63 
Upon the highest turret 
Two guards with armor bright 
An:l visors lying open 
Gaze out into the night; 
Out o'er the city, eastward, 
Where, dimly outlined, lay 
The hoary Mount of Olives, 
Awaiting light of day. 
Here, there, about the city 
Some twinkling light is seen; 
Save this, the whole is silent 
Beneath the moonlight sheen. 

While gazing thus, half dreaming 
One guard falls fast asleej), 
And presently the shadows 
Fall o'er him, dark and deep, 
And so his comrade, gazing 
Out o'er the landscape wide 
Saw not his form, nor either 
That other by his side 
Who, silently approaching 
Spake not, but, standing by 
Looked out above the city; 
Now suddenly the sky 
High up above Moriah 



64 
Reflected back the glow 
Of many waving torches; 
Up starts the guard! 

Below 
A noise of distant shouting 
And tramp of many feet 
Breaks out above the stillness 
Along the darkened street; 
The guard, now all attention 
Gives forth a startled cry 
As to the one beside him 
He turns with flashing eye! 
''What meaneth yonder turmoil? 
Those flashing lights V the jar? 
The swords, the staves, the shouting- 
Like armies waging war? 
I fear some insurrection, for see! 
They come this way! 
Arouse the soldiers — hasten — 
Guard well the entrance way! 
Go thou and call the master — 
Set every foot astir! 
Ho, laggart! — Ha! — 'tis Pilate — 
Methought a soldier! Sir, 
Behold, like surging waters 
Yon multitude draw near! " 



65 

Then np above the turmoil 
A cry rano- loud and clear : 
''On! On to Pilate's chamber! 
Lead on the accursed Jew! 
We have no king but Caesar! 
Down with th' usurping crew! " 
" Some petty rebel, likely! 
Methinks 'tis not the hour 
To visit halls of justice!" 
Quoth Pilate. 

But his power 
Self-conscious, vain, aggressive. 
Appeased his anger soon; 
His face as down he hurried 
Was like yon waning moon. 
In that no pity showed it. 

O stars, close now thine eyes! 
Moon, hide thy face in horror! 
Thou sun, refuse to rise! 
E'en now that Savior, Jesus, 
Mid bond, and curse, and blow. 
And scoff, and kick, and buffet, 
Stands in the hall below ! 

As down the street came surging 



66 
That mass, with hue and cry, 
With crash of staves and armor 
While torches lit the sky, 
The sleeping tired thousands 
Awaken with a start 
While prayers of fear or sorrow 
Go up from many a heart. 
At windows, faces eager, 
Cheeks paling at the sight, 
Eyes open wide and staring 
Peer out into the night. 
One female form stood bending 
Far out with anxious gaze 
To where, far down the streetway 
The torches' lurid blaze 
Revealed the crowd approaching; 
As nearer still they drew 
Her face, before but paling 
Turned ashen its hue! 
Her eyes, with one hand shaded 
Bent on the prisoner's face 
As, pushing, jostling, crowding. 
They rushed hin past the jjlace; 
She siezed the sill more tightly 
As in her mind the truth 
Dawned all too soon ; Poor mother ! 



67 
She recognized the youth! 
'' 'Tis he! " she cried, "Oh Jesus! 
My son! My son! God save! ' 
She chitchedthe air, and staggered. 
And felL cold as the grave! 
A mother's heart! Oh angels, 
Wake not this sleeping one! 
There let her sleep. Her loved one 
Shall, with the morning sun 
Be led to yonder mountain 
With thieves and thugs to die; 
Sure 'were a scene too awful 
For loving mother's eye! 

When later on she wakened, 
The dawn was breaking fast, 
For while she lay thus, swooning. 
Hour after hour had passed. 
Her blue eyes opened softly 
With puzzled look; 

Her hand 
Stroked back the golden tresses; 
There round her bedside stand 
Her friends, all weeping sorely; 
"Oh John," the mother cried. 
As that beloved disciple 



68 
Amorjg the rest she spied. 
"My boy— my Jesus! Tell me! 
Where is he, John ? " 

With frame 
That trembled— knees that tottered 
Close to her side he came; 
With quivering voice the story 
By ashen lips was said 
While on his manly bosom 
He held the mother's head; 
She listened, eager, trembling, 
While briefly he rehearsed 
The tale; 

How, mocking, scoffing. 
The rabble raved and cursed; 
Of witness, purjured, lying. 
Whom Pilate ruled aside; 
How leading Jews contended 
With Pharasaeic loride; 
Of how the cruel scourging 
The jeers, the thorny crown, 
Brought to his lips no murmur, 
And to his face no frown; 
Of how at last the people 
Prevailed ; 

How sentence cold 



69 

And cruel passed nxoon him 
While one Barabbas bold 
His freedom gained; 

How Jesus, 
Before the morning sun 
Should rise half way to zenith 
Must die. 

"Oh God! My son !^' 
The mother cried, "Oh take me 
Where I may see his face! 
Come with me, brother, sister! 
Come, let us seek the place! " 
She started for the doorway 
But paused! 

A murmur, low, 
But growing louder, louder. 
Came like a river's flow; 
Far down the street advancing 
A surging, rushing crowd 
Seeks now the city gateway 
With cries and cursings loud. 
Once more beside the window 
The mother stands! 

Her eye 
With all a mother's anguish 
Scans every passer by! 



70 
They come from Pilate's mansion 
And seek Golgotha, grim, 
But inong them all the mother 
Has eyes for one, for Him. 
'"Oh, there ! see, John ! God help me f 
There in the surging crowd, 
One bore a cross; 'Twas heavy, 
He staggered 'neath the load! 
" "Tis not thy son, O Mary! " 
Cried John, " He may not die! 
His power e'en yet may save him ! 
He may escape and fly! 
But, wait — another, bending 
'Neath burden like the first; 
Oh, why such awful sentence? 
Such cruelty accursed? 
But see, 'tis not our Jesus, — 

Perhaps thy son but no. 

Still yonder comes another 
With body bending low! 
Oh Mary! Stay not hither — 
Go hide thy mother eyes! 
Come — stay not by the window! " 
Up from the street the cries 
Came louder yet; 



71 

The mother 
'Siezed fast the window sill, 
While from her heart of anguish 
A cry rang- loud and shrill: 
''My son! O Jesus! Jesus! " 
Just now before the place 
The suffering one is passing; 
He raised a blood-stained face; 
Oh sinful man! Could angels 
But picture us that look 
When Jesus saw his mother! 
His body reeled and shook; 
His haggard face grew paler 
If paler it could be, 
While in the dusty roadway 
He sank upon one knee; 
One longing look; 

A shudder 
Went through his weary frame ; 
With bloodless lips he uttered 
Most tenderly a name — 
'Twas, "Mother! " 

Holy angels, 
Record that name on high! 
Oh man, think thou of Jesus 
Led thus away to die 



72 
Before the eyes of mother! 
Let i)ity draw the veil; 
ISlot all the pain he suffered 
Was caused by scourge and nail; 
•'On, Jew! " the caxDtain shouted, 
"Move on! " he tries to go, - 
His strength is gone! he staggers, 
Already bending low, 
He sinks still lower,— lower, 
Till in the dust he lies. 
"Here, Simon, bear the burden!'' 
The angry captain cries! 
"Up Jew — thou weakling — soldiers, 
Sui^port on either side! " 
As to his feet he staggers, 
And sways from side to side ; 
Quick to obey, two soldiers 
Sieze each an arm, and so 
Half fainting, pull him forward 
With i^ainful steps, and slow. 
Thus on the grim procession 
Tow^ard Calvary moves again. 
Where on the cross he suffered, 
A sacrifice for men. 



Out from the room rushed Mar 



-T^ 



73 

Behind, with hurrying feet 
The others came, to follow 
Along the noisome street. 
Half fainting, reeling, Mary 
The mother staggered on, 
While at her side supporting, 
Came ever faithful John. 
Full well he knew what horror 
Must fill that mother heart, 
'Twere vain to offer comfort. 
But well he played his part. 
''Perhaps thy son doth try us; 
His power may yet return. 
And, spite of bonds and soldiers 
He Roman XDower may spurn. " 
•'God grant it," j)rayedthe mother; 
Around her, closer still 
The grieved disciples gathered 
As nearer Calvery's hill 
They came. There James and Peter, 
Two Marys, Philip, Jude, 
All those who followed Jesus 
About the mother stood. 
At last without the city 
Beneath the blazing sun 



74 

They stand; E'en now the soldiers 
Their fearful work have done; 
There on the crest of Calvary 
Three Roman crosses stand, 
To each a quivering body 
Fast nailed by foot and hand. 
Why gaze on scene so awful? 
Let pity draw the veil 
And hide a mother's sorrow. 
One scene shall end the tale; 
The multitude, now scattered, 
Withdrawn, save but a few 
Made room for the disciples, 
And nearer still they drew; 
At once the suffering Jesus 
Beheld the weeping crowd, 
(His mother! His disciples 
In anguish wailing loud!) 
"Weep not for me, O daughters. 
But weep for days to come ! 
Thou John, behold thy mother! 
Woman, behold thy son! " 
'Tis done! His work is ended! 
Toward home they turn away 
And with the " loved disciple" 
Dwelt Mary from that day . 



75 

Three days and nights the sorrow 
Of death had settled round ; 
No ray of hope or gladness 
The mother's heart had found; 
The Sabbath day is ended; 
The midnight hour is gone; 
The morning hours are passing; 
Far in the east the dawn 
Begins to break ; 

The mother, 
Her heart still strong and brave, 
With Mary Magdalene 
Seeks now the loved one's grave; 
Her mother heart is yearning 
For one long look,— the last 
For one last loving office; 
The day is breaking fast; 
The stars, now less like diamonds, 
Grow dim, and, one by one 
They yield to yonder brightness 
Which heralds morning sun; 
Now in the garden! 

Dimly 
The tom^b's outline is shown! 
"But who, " asks each of other, 
"Shall roll away the stone?" 



76 
Soon, after many windings 
Among the trees, they stand 
Before the tomb; 

'' See, Mary! " 
The mother's trembling hand 
Points thro the morning twilight; 
" Behold the open door! '' 
Down sank the mother, helpless. 
Her heart all sick and sore! 
Poor nature struggles bravely. 
But, weak with grief and fear 
She fainted ! 

Father, pity! 
A mother's heart lies here! 

The sun o'er eastern hilltops 
Is peeping; 

Overhead 
The sky is bright and golden; 
Day breaks! 

But still like dead 
The mother lies; 

A halo 
Of glory fills the air! 
Some awful, mighty presence 
Seems on the soul to bear! 



77 

Some influence o'er the woman 
Seems working! 

Now her eyes 
Are open wide! 

Some j)ower 
Seems helping her to rise! 
Bat ah! Yon tomb is em^jty! 
She stoox3S to peer within! 
Two shining forms are sitting 
Where Jesus' form had been ! 
She turns again, desj^airing, 
Scarce knowing what to do! 
There in the path before her 
Stands one, she knows not who! 
She would have fled; 

He asked her: 
"Woman, why weepest thou? " 
"Oh sir, yon tomb is empty — 
Where have ye laid him now?" 
Her face was veiled; 

With weeping 
Her eyes were dim and wet, 
The voice which gave her answer 
No mother could forget! 
It was the voice of Jesus ! 
Her name in tender tone 



7« 

He spoke; 

Withdraw, Oh angels. 
And leave them here alone! 

A mother's heart! Ah. think you 
She suffered not? 

That He 
Who died felt not her sorrow? 
Or could it ever be 
Prophetic word more fully 
Fulfilled in every j)art? 
Well sjjake old Zacharias 
•' A sword shall pierce thy heart! " 

But joy shall follow weei3ing, 
Bright day the gloom of night; 
Eternal joy shall follow 
The weeping and the blight 
Of earth; That Savior, Jesus, 
Now risen from the grave 
For you and I has suffered, 
Your soul and mine to save! 
Wilt have this full salvation? 
Wilt have this savior true? 
My faith I rest on Jesus! 
How^ is it friend, with you? 



The Shepherd's V/Isioq 



An Easter Poem. 



~^p^ he sun was slowly setting 
Vr/In fioois of golden light; 

^ The day, so bright and balmy, 
Fast merging into night; 
From out the grim, walled city, 
The ham of busy life, 
The sound of merry singing, 
The noise of wordy strife, 
The tramp of many thous=inds. 
The jostle, and the jar, 
Proclaim that strangers, gathered 
From hills and vales afar 
To keej) the great Passover, 
(The Jews' unleavened feast,) 
Are cam.ped within her portals. 
79 



80 
The shadows in the east 
Are growing slowly darker; 
Some shepherds with their sheej) 
Are coming from the pastures 
The Sabbath Day to keep. 
One, pausing on a hilltop 
His weary sheep to rest, 
Espied three Roman crosses 
Set in the rocky crest. 
The shepherd frow^ned. "O Israel! '' 
In bitterness he cried, 
"How^ are the mighty fallen! 
How humbled is thy pride! 
Yon crosses, each an emblem 
Of galling Roman power 
Cry out in accents awful 
Of God's avenging hour! 
Return to God, O Israel! 
Bow down in sackcloth, low^! 
God save us, " prayed the shepherd. 
With footste]3S faltering, slow, 
Drew near the shad'wy crosses 
Their victims' names to learn, 
And, x^eering through the twilight 
He barely could discern 



81 
The names so dimly written; 
The shepherd clenched his hands 
As near the middle shadow 
With flashing eye he stands! 
"Tis false! His false! " he shouted, 
"The Jews no king have known! 
'Tis cruel thus to mock us, 
Who serve a Roman throne! 
Oh come, thou great Messiah 
Whom God hath promised long, 
Redeem thy suffering people! 
Thy name well praise in song; " 
Then turned and hurried onward 
Bemoaning Israel's fate. 
Soon, passing near a garden 
He paused before the gate. 
A tomb is in the garden, 
A crowd is near the door; 
The burial rite is finished, 
The ceremony o'er; 
Now, turning sadly homeward 
With solemn, faltering tread 
The party near the portal; 
One, marching at their head, 
A man with tear-stained features 
And priestly garments came. 



82 
And turned to greet the shepberd. 
Who gladly called his name; 
"All hail, good Rabbi Joseph! 
And who of all thy kin 
Hath met the grim destroyer 
And left this world of sinV "' 
•'Not one," the Rabbi answered, 
"No kin of mine have died; 
Our God in mercy grants me 
My kindred by my side; 
One greater far lies yonder 
Within my own new tomb: 
No bands of royal purple 
Dispel the sepulcral gloom; 

But yonder lies a j)rophet, 

A king of David's kin, 

A Son of God, O shepherd, 

Who came to save from sin; 

But few days gone, he entered 

In triumph yonder gate 

While thousands dance about him, 

The multitude was great! 

W^e thought, alas! that Jesus 

Our king henceforth should be. 

To day we did behold him 

Nailed to a Roman tree! " 



"Whatsay'st? dost mean it, Rabbi? 
A king- and crucified? 
Was that a true inscrii)tion 
On yonder cross? " he cried; 
Methought they did but mock us, 
But sayest thou 'tis true? 
Tlien curses upon Caesar 
And all his murderous crew! " 
"Nay, nay, good shepherd, listen; 
The Jews have slain their king! 
This Jesus was the Savior 
Of whom the prophets sing; 
'Twas our own Priests and Elders 

Condemned him God forgive! 

While even Pilate prayed them 

To let the prophet live. 

And yet — but peace be with you! 

The Sabbath is at hand; 

God save thee from the sorrow 

That settles o'er our land! " 

'■God speed thee!" quoth the shep- 

And slowly turned away [herd. 

To ponder well the wonders 

Of that eventful day. 

"A king ! The Jews condemned him ! 

How strange," the shepherd thought 



84 
To solve the knotty problem 
Full long he vainly sought. 
( Not he alone has pondered, 
But men of every land 
Have wrestled with the problem 
But failed to understand!) 

Ere long, within the sheepfold 

His flock he safely led, 

Then lay his weary body 

Upon his humble bed; 

Anon, the king forgotten 

The weary shepherd slept. 

Last night the great Passover 

Throughout the land w^as kept; 

The Paschal Lamb was slaughtered 

And eaten, as of yore; 

Ay, sacred were the emblems 

Those many tables bore ! 

Few knew that grim Golgotha 

With crosses on her crest 

To day had borne the emblem 

Of Jew and Gentile blest. 

The first day came, and early 
The shepherd led away 



85 
His sheep to distant pastures; 

'Twas just at break of day. 
When, i^assing near the garden 
Where, Friday eve before 
He met the Rabbi, JosejDh, 
His heart again was sore; 
Around the tomb, (Oh curses!) 
Armed Roman soldiers lay, 
While back and forth before it 
The sentry paced his way. 

Again the shepherd's anger 
Rose high. His clenched fist 
He shook in their direction 
As through his teeth he hissed: 
"The cow^ards! God avenge us! 
Is't not enough to kill 
Our king? And must they guard 
But all about was still. [him? "' 

(Ah, shepherd! Thou most favored 
Of all the human race; 
Bend low thy quaking body, 
And hide thy paling face ! ) 



86 
A moment paused the shepherd 
To watch the hateful sight, 
While darkness to the eastward 
Was giving way to light. 

Was that a flash of sunshine? 

Ah no — 'tis far too soon! 

Beyond the eastern hilltops 

The blazing god of noon 

Remains, with all his glory! 

Was't lightning? such a ray 

Of light so bright, so dazzling, 

Is not like that of day ! 

If lightning, where the thunder ? 

'Tis strange! The trees do glow 

With softened light — and look! 

The sentry bowing low 

Before the tomb whose splendor 

Now rivals morning sun! 

The shepherd reels! he staggers! 

He fears yet cannot run ! 

The earth is rocking, swaying! 

The soldiers lie like dead. 

While strains of heavenly music 

Float down from overhead! 

The shepherd, gathering courage, 



87 

And, shading well his eye 

Looks up. A scene of splendor 

Fills all the morning sky! 

A cloud of heavenly beings 

Are hovering overhead, 

While one, more bright and glorious 

The host of angels led! 

Then suddenly he, halting 

His army o'er the place 

Where, round the tomb, the soldiers 

Lay, each ujoon his face, 

Winged then his way full earthward 

Swift as a meteor's flight; 

His robes were pearly whiteness, 

His face a dazzling sight! 

His feet scarce touched the garden 
Ere nature seemed undone! 
Earth rocked and quaked and trem- 
As though the morning sun [bled; 
Did shine in all his glory, 
The landscax3e far and near 
With all the warmth and luster 
Of noonday brightness clear 
Shone forth! See now — in worship. 



88 
Before the tomb, bowed low 
The angel kneels. All nature 
Is hushed to silence now; 
From overhead a murmur! 
Ten thousand fervent prayers 
By anoel lips are uttered ! 
The shepherd unawares 
Upon his knees has fallen: 
A moment thus he waits; 
Then heaven sings with the chorus, 
"Lift up ycur heads ye gntes! 
Behold, the King of Glory! '' 
(The shepherd lifts his eyes;) 
"O tomb, ope wide thy portal! '' 
Again rings through the skies! 
( The sealed door flies open ! ) 
•'O death, where is thy sting? 
O grave, where is thy victory? 
All hail, thou mighty king! '" 

Prostrate the shepherd, swooning, 
Has fallen on his face! 
No human eye might see him. 
But God was in that place! 

When once again the shepherd 



89 
Awakened from his sleep, 
Full many of his comrades 
Were passing with their sheex^; 
The sun w^as shining brightly, 
Crowds pushed along the street. 
While in the trees birds caroled 
A morning chorus sweet: 
^Twas strange! The shepherd mar 

veiled! 
" Why dreamt I thus? '' he said. 
*' Much time, so precious, wasted; 
Alas, our king is dead! 

In yonder tomb " he started! 

The door w^as open wide! 
Within, all silent, empty — 
No sign of Him who died! 

Long ages have passed onw^ard 
Since that eventful day, 
When Christ the Lord and Savior 
In Joseijh's garden lay; 
And yet w^e sing the story. 
We tell it o'er and o'er, 
How Christ the Lord is risen 
And lives forevermore; 
How we, on him believing 
May also rise and live; 



90 
How God through Christ the Savior 
Eternal life will give. 
I'm trusting in that Savior; 
By faith I claim the prize; 
Though death close all around me 
I hope like him to rise; 
I claim the Father's jDromise; 
I strive his will to do; 
I hope for life eternal 
Through Jesus Christ. Do you? 



A^ Voice In The 'vl/ilderness. 

eside the rolling Jordan 
Whose muddy waters flow 
Where dreary plain and moun- 
No habitation know; [tain, 

Where hungry beasts do wander 
When driven from their lair 
In search of food; Where vultures 
Whose pinions fan the air 
By forest fragrance laden, 
Do seek their daily food; 



91 

Where roving bands of robbers 

Who gain a livelihood 

By cruel deeds, by thieving, 

Ay, even murder, hide 

From those who fain would jounish; 

No human here beside 

Save now and then a hermit 

Whose time to prayer is given, 

Who. shunning human presence 

Would nearer draw to heaven, 

Doth safely dwell; (No robber 

Is tempted to molest 

Where neither gold nor silver 

Are known; Where, at the best 

A couch of leaves, a garment 

From skin of camel made 

Is all; Why need the hermit 

Of robbers be afraid?) 

E'en here, where sandy desert, 

And shady forest glen, 

And rocky gorge, and valley 

Where seldom foot of men 

Hath trod, are neighbors, 

Begins our little rhyme; 

Begins just where the prophet, 

(The last ere Jesus' time,) 



92 

Saith, "Lo, I send Elias; 
My way he shall prepare." 
Begins where, near the river 
A cave, (perhaps the lair 
Of beasts of prey, or robbers, 
In days long since agone. ) 
Doth shelter now a hermit 
Who, living thns alone 
Far from the teeming cities 
Whose filthiness and sin 
Had prophets old, forgetting 
The joys that might have been, 
Dared to condemn; Communing 
With God from day to day. 
Sits now^before the doorway 
W^hile evening shadows play 
Beneath him in the valley. 
A stalwart form, and strong, 
Full six feet, straight and brawny. 
With hair unkempt and long; 
His shoulders, broad, well muscled. 
Are bare; A robe of skin 
About the lower body 
Thrown carelessly; No pin 
Or button hath the garment 
But when for service used 



93 

A girdle holds securely. 

But now for comfort loosed 

Upon the floor is lying. 

His long uncombed hair 

And beard, untrimmed, all flowing 

O'er skin once young and fair, 

But now by storm and sunshine 

Well tanned; Dark piercing eyes 

'Neath shaggy brows are restless; 

Now flashing toward the skies, 

Now sweeping o'er the valley, 

Now bent upon the floor, 

Now closed, while lips are moving 

As though he did implore 

Some unseen one. The features, 

Though rough in detail seen 

Are not unkind, but rather 

Reveal a conscience clean, 

A heart to evil stranger 

But full of peace and love, 

Well rounded out with knowledge 

Of heavenly things above. 

No letters hath this hermit; 

No lore of learned sage; 

No hand for cunning writing; 

No ken of written page; 



94 

No school of priestly Rabbis 

Hath taught fanatic's lore; 

No biased thought of Moses 

Or ages gone before : 

No school but nature; Freedom 

From each device of man 

Led on by Satan's cunning 

Hath been his lot; No ban 

Of theologic scholars 

Hath on his mind been cast; 

The Holy Gliost his teacher; 

No specter from the past 

To haunt his every footstep 

And make of life a curse; 

No dream hath he of ijower, 

Nor thought of well filled purse; 

What wonder if his bosom 

Is filled with peace; that deep 

Within his soul the spirit 

Of love and joy doth keep 

A constant watch V What wonder 

If thoughts that fill his mind 

Are free from many evils 

So common to mnnkind? 

For since a lad, his dwelling 

Hath in the desert been 



'95 

Alone with God, Around liim 
Naught that would lead to sin; 
Sometimes a traveller, weary, 
Bewildered, wandered here, 
And, sheltered by the hermit. 
Had nothing more to fear; 
Sometimes a band of robbers 
Camp in the vale below. 
Or caravan of merchants 
In journeys to and fro 
Would rest; not oft the hermit 
Hears aught of what the race 
Is doing; thus the Spirit 
Of God held stronger place 
Within his heart. This evening 
Full stranger seems his mood 
Than e'er before. While sitting, 
His stalwart form half nude, 
Low to himself he mutters 
As though to others near 
He spake the words: "He cometh! 
My master doth appear! 
Tomorrow doth my labor 
For God, for Him, for truth. 
Begin in earnest; Surely 
The world will scorn his youth! 



96 
His face so like a woman's! 
His heart so pnre within! 
O Lamb of God, come quickly, 
To save the world from sin! " 

Down where the river floweth 
'Neath overhan^i^ing trees 
Whose branches wave and rustle 
With every passing breeze; 
There, close beside the river 
Are gathered full a score 
Of men whose weary journey 
Hath brought them to the shore 
Of Jordan's stream. Their manner, 
The bundles lying there, 
The camels, full three dozen 
That eat their humble fare 
Beside the camp, betoken 
A group of merchants bold 
From far otf eastern country 
In search of Israel's gold. 

The morning meal is eaten. 
And now the men but wait, 
(Impatient for the journey 
Before the hour is late,) 



97 

Until the camels finish 
Their meal. The morning sun 
O'er eastern hills is peeping; 
• Before the day is done, 
Far on their weary journey 
The mc^'rchants hope to be; 
Full well they know that robbers, 
In desert places — free 
From hand of law, do wander. 
A girdle at each waist 
Doth hold a sword or dagger, 
While near at hand is placed 
A pointed spear. Right dearly 
Would robber's s^Doil be bought 
Unless in greater numbers 
They w^ith the merchants fought. 
All through the long night hours 
A watchful sentry stood 
His guard; By faithful i^acing- 
Here, there about the wood, 
Well knew if any danger 
Did threaten ; even now 
On yonder rock which towers 
Above the hilltop's brow. 
With spear in hand he watches 
For danger, lest a band 



98' 
Of thieves, or robbers, wancUring: 
So often in the land 
Come on them unawares^ 
And, dashing from the thicket 
Bear off their precious wares. 

But see —each man upspringing 
With sword or spear in hand! 
Cheeks turning pale, eyes flashing. 
Like statues now they standi 
Forth from the wood a sudden 
And startling sound had come! 
A voice, loud, clear and thrilling 
Above the noisy hum 
Of Jordan's rushing water: 
•'Repent — O man, repent!" 
Now toward the shady woodland 
Each merchant's eye is bent; 
With swinging strides advancing 
Beneath the waving trees. 
His hair long, glossy, waving 
Before the morning breeze, 
Comes now a form, tall, stalwart, 
A robe of cameFs hair 
Well girt about the middle. 
The merchants blankly stare! 



99 
AVliat madman this? Forbidding 
At first appearance, yet 
A something in his presence 
No man could soon forget! 
Beneath a rough ai:)pearance 
A subtle power fine; 
A touch of truth; a savor 
Of holy love divine 
Imx3ressed their hearts; The hermit 
(For lo, 'twas he!) again 
Sent forth the cry: "Rej)ent ye! 
Eepent, Oh sinful men! 
For lo, the heavenly kingdom 
Is even now at hand! 
From God the call proceedeth, 
Heed thou the Lord's command! 
Behold, one cometh after 
Much mightier than I, 
Whose shoes I am not worthy 
To loose; Yet even I 
Would preach to you repentance, 
And to that end baj)tize 
With water from the Jordan." 
Meanwhile in great surprise 
The merchants listen, wondering 
To hear such thrilling word, 

L.rfC 



100 

To feel a subtle power 

Their very souls which stirred, 

As on and on the heimit 

Talked; Words of burning truth 

Flowed onward like a river; 

Though barely past his youth, 

Unlettered, yet some power, 

Some influence divine 

Did more impress the hearer 

Than cultured language fine, 

And ere he ceased his speaking, 

Dow^n on their knees, bowed low, 

Prostrate the haughty merchants 

Themselves in soirow throw. 

"What shall we do, O stranger? 

Our sins we now confess ! 

How shall we seek remission? 

How live for righteousness? " 

"I call but to repentance, 

But one shall follow me. 

One who shall bring remission, 

Salvation full and free! 

Go, give to men my warning, 

"The kingdom is at hand!' 

Prepare before the Savior 

A way in every land! " 



101 

He ceased. The men, still in'ostrate, 

Would seek still more to hear 

As, bowing still, they question: 

"When shall the Lord appear? 

How shall we meet-how know him ?" 

No voice in answer came, — 

The man was gone! The merchants, 

Now risen, seek in vain. 

At last they lade their camels 

And hasten on their way, 

Hearts full of deep rei^entance, 

Not knowing how to pray. 

To all they meet, the story 

Of all their ears have heard 

They tell. Of how the hermit 

Whose power seemed not in word 

Had told of coming Savior; 

Of how his warning, sent 

By them, "The heavenly kingdom 

Is drawing near, — repent! " 

Had thrilled their souls; In city 

And country soon a fame 

Went forth, how, in the desert 

A preacher did proclaim 

The coming of "Messiah" ! 

Of how salvation free 



102 
He brought to men. So shortly 
Much people came to see, 
And hear the proclamation. 
E'en from Jerusalem, 
From fill a}]Out Judea 
As word was brouoht to them — 
Ay, from beyond the Jordan 
Came people great and small. 
Came priest and scribe and peasant, 
Came i3ublicanF. and all 
To hear this hermit preacher 
Who with such mighty power 
Did warn his generation 
Of God's oncoming hour; 
AVho taught to men repentance 
Instead of sacrifice! 
That Grod would freely pardon! 
That now for sin no price 
Should be of men required! 
How, through his coming Son 
Would God bestow salvation 
By faith! And every one 
Who heard, believed, confessing 
Their sins; were all baptized 
With washing of repentance; 
How human heart hath prized 



103 

The reconcilliation 

Which God through Christ the Lord 

Youchsafeth to his people— 

Which often in the word 

To x:)eni tents is promised! 

Then to the river side 

Came men whose hearts were swell- 

With pharasaic xDride; U^S' 

Scribes, Pharisees, confessing 

To multitude their need 

To be baptized! Repentance 

And pharasaic creed ! 

With sneer of scorn the hermit 

Would send them from his face! 

•'Oh wicked generation! 

Oh vipers of your race! 

And who indeed hath warned you 

To flee from wrath to come 

Whose hearts are filled with evil 

In (^uite unmeasured sum? 

Go bring forth fruits, ye vipers 

Which show repentance true! " 

But day by day came others 

In numbers not a few, 

All wondering at the hermit 

Whose eloquence so thrilled 



104 
The souls of many people; 
Whose very words were filled 
With some mysterious power, 
As day by day he stood 
Baptizing in the water. 
Not many understood 
The import of his teaching: 
"For now the axe '* said he. 
"With unrelenting power 
Is laid at root of tree; 
Not e'en a mighty forest 
Of righteous trees about 
Shall save the one that faileth 
To bear its perfect fruit. 
Think not. Oh thou descendents 
Of righteous Abraham 
To flee from condemnation, 
For God, the great I Am, 
From stones beside the river 
Could raise up holy seed; 
Repent, unrighteous people! 
Cast from you every ereed! 
This mighty one who cometh 
Will purge his floor complete, 
And seperate most surely 
The chaff from out the wheat." 



105 

Thus day by day he labored 

And preached the kingdom near; 

That soon among this peox3le 

A Savior would appear. 

One day when many peojole, 

A multitude, vast, great. 

About the preacher hermit 

Did early congregate, 

And he with power was preaching. 

Some face or form he spied. 

And pointing with his finger 

With ringing voice he cried: 

''Behold the Lam.b, the Savior 

Of sinful human race! " 

In vain the crowd endeavor 

To single out the face. 

In crowd, all pushing, swaying. 

More strange indeed if one 

Could keep but for a moment 

A face in sight. *The sun 

Toward western hills is moving 

As one with measured pace 

Is through the crowd advancing; 

Now, as he nears the place 

The hermit, arms extended. 

As though to ward away 



106 
Some danger, now is kneeling; 
"Come not, my master, — stayl 
For need of thy baptism 
Have I; and eomest thon 
To me? " Thus spake the hermit; 
The answer sweet and low. 
In gentle tones, yet thrilling: 
''Nay, let it be so now, 
For thus it doth become us 
All to fumi. " With bow 
Of humble aqaiescence 
The hermit, thus addressed, 
Baptized the comely stranger 
With water, like the rest. 

As up from out the water 
The stranger came, a light 
All dazzling in its brightness 
Burst on the people's sight! 
Far overhead, the heavens 
Appeared as opened wide. 
While flashes as of lightning. 
Came forth on every side! 
And now a form, descending 
As though the Holy Ghost 
In form of dove did challenge 



107 
The gaze of earthly host, 
Comes floating down, still downward 
Until upon the head 
Of yonder dripping stranger 
It rests! All quake w^th dread! 
Now from the midst of heaven 
A voice, though loud. yet sweet. 
To ears of gathered thousands 
Made evidence complete; 
•'Behold, this my beloved. 
My Son! Well pleased am I! 
Ye nations, hear his teaching! '"■ 
The voice of God Most High 
Addressing mortal man ! Prostrated 
Are all the people now 
Save Jesus and the Baptist! 
A moment thus they bow; 
The dazzling brightness fadeth 
From evening sky; Below 
A soft yet radiant glory 
Round Jesus' form doth glow! 
Now, as again the people 
Rise to their feet and stand, 
Toward Jesus' form the hermit 
Points with his bony hand 
And cries with voice loud, thrilling : 



108 
Behold the Lamb of God! 

And since have many millions 
In Jesus' footsteps trod, 
Because his life hath purchased 
Salvation free for us, — 
For all who seek believing; 
Have YOU sought Jesus thus? 



-=::^-;^,'=Qi^ 



CONTENTS, 

The Fiest Christmas Night, 1 

Seeking The King, - 33 

Salvation, - - 58 

A Mother's Heart, - , 60 

The Shepherd's Vision. - 79 

A Voice In The Wilderness. 90 



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